8:33 PM,
Aug. 22, 2013

Brandon Bernstein

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No drag racer feels the 59th U.S. Nationals approaching quite like Brandon Bernstein.

Bernstein has been on the mend from back surgery for more than three months. While his season will end without a Top Fuel championship, an Indianapolis win would ease his pain.

Whether it's the pressure of the important moment or the prestige of the event, the drag race at Lucas Oil Raceway is the toughest of the season to win, and Bernstein, unlike his father, Kenny, hasn't experienced it despite 18 wins elsewhere. Kenny won here three times, twice in Funny Car (1983, '87), once in Top Fuel (1991). ...